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@article{210323,
        author = {Gowri Hari K.},
        title = {Perceived Barriers to Using Digital Mental Health Support Among Family Caregivers of Individuals with Schizophrenia},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {6},
        pages = {493-501},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=210323},
        abstract = {Family caregivers of people with schizophrenia carry a heavy burden and have limited access to formal support, while digital mental health options are expanding. This qualitative study explored the perceived barriers to using digital mental health support among family caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia. A qualitative, exploratory design was used. Eight family caregivers were selected through purposive sampling and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes were identified: limited awareness and understanding; practical and technological constraints; trust, privacy and stigma; doubts about relevance and fit; and caregiver burden with lack of time and energy. The perceived barriers were personal, practical, social and related to how services are designed. The findings suggest that digital mental health support for caregivers should be available in local languages, simple to use, low in data cost, clear about privacy and combined with human contact. These findings add to the limited qualitative evidence on caregivers in India.},
        keywords = {caregivers, digital mental health, barriers, schizophrenia, qualitative study, India},
        month = {November},
        }